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How Do You Feel - Wand at LT and Pitts at LG?

Tulip

Tulip

Veteran
I personally am not thrilled at the idea of basically starting from scratch again at the tackle spot.

I would have given Pitts another year at tackle. But I know that I've been in the minority for a long time on that one. Everyone has been talking about moving him to guard since before his first start.

What is your preference?
 
I am in that same thought about starting over at LT, I dont want to sacrifice Carr's life. But from what I have read and heard is that Wand has worked in the weight room and has really increased his strength. I also think that Pitts has the chance to be a good LT, but a dominate LG. But the difference is that if Wand does falter we have Pitts to fall back on.

Pitts did an admirable job last year. Holding Jason Taylor to goose eggs isnt very easy.
 
Texan fans should be thrilled, seems Wand is way ahead of schedule & Pitts continues to improve plus moving him to his natural position, with the addition of Wade to the right tackle the offensive line will be much improved. The only thing to fear is injury, hopefully we'll have better luck in this area.
 
I feel great about it and I am one of Pitts biggest supporters. He is a dominating run blocker and will make a dynamite Guard. Pitts was always alone at LT. He had journeymen Guards beside him and no help since we always needed to help our RT. This year Wand will have a solid NFL player beside him in Pitts and we don't need to help Wade at RT. This is not even close to the same scenario as Pitts had his first year. Wand will get the help Pitts couldn't and he is built more like a LT and can use his long legs and long arms to leverage edge/speed rushers easier than the stockier, shorter Pitts.
 
Remember that this move is not final. Changes that occur in the spring don't always hold up after a few weeks of training camp. The promotion of Wand to starting left tackle and the move of Pitts to left guard could be looked at several different ways:
1. The coaches think this is the best lineup.
2. The coaches are rewarding Wand for hard work and improvement.
3. The coaches are trying to light a fire under Milford Brown.

Remember that a lot of lineup changes before the summer are meant as motivational tools. This could just be the coaching staff's way of motivating somebody into doing something. It could be that the staff wants to see how Wand will hold up during exhibition games. If Pitts needs to return to left tackle, he could easily make the adjustment after a couple of preseason games.

I personally think that the coaching staff is making this move because of a combination of all three motives I mentioned above. They see Wand as being the left tackle of the future and would like to see how he would work out, and to see how Pitts would be as a guard. They also want to reward Wand for his hard work by showing confidence in him, and if they end up moving Pitts back to left tackle they will make it clear to Wand that he is the left tackle of the future, just not the present. Also, they want to light a fire under Brown/Weary/Washington to compete for the left guard spot and show that the position isn't a weakness that needs to be addressed by moving Pitts.
 
Wand is massive and has good footwork and technique, it all came down to him getting stronger and extending his long arms. He has gotten stronger and hopefuly the coaching staff has gotten him to extend his arms, if so, he could be at least an above average LT this year and could become a very good LT by 2005. Also by moveing Pitts to LG we are able to place him back in his natural position , where I think he has chances to be a Pro-Bowl caliber player, it improves the line in so many ways.
 
I'm thinking this move is a really good sign. After what happened in 2002 I don't think the coaches would make this move if they didn't think that Wand was ready for it. Plus they know that if things get out of hand they can go right back to Pitts a LT and it won't be a problem. This potentially could be a truly great line and the coaches seem to think the chances are good enoug that it's time to put it together and see what happens.

I don't see a negative here.
 
I expect there to be some growing pains with Wand manning the LT spot, particularly in the early season--there's just no replacement for game experience. With the upgrade at LG though I expect the left sides net performance to improve by the middle of the season. Casserly and Capers have clearly taken a trial by fire approach to this team, with Carr, AJ, Robinson, Babin, Gaffney, etc. expected to come in and learn on the job.

One advantage Wand will have this season is that our division isn't particularly stacked with premiere pass-rushing REs. Freeny leads this group, but as an undersized speed rusher I think Wand's superior footspeed makes him a better match then Pitts. Kearse is gone with a likely rookie replacement in Tennesee. Hugh Douglas in jacksonville is getting old, and Brackens has some injury concerns (I don't think j-ville has decided which is playing RE yet.)

I'm looking forward to seeing how Wand handles TB's Simeon Rice in the last pre-season game. It should be a good barometer on what we can expect out of Wand this year.
 
A number of people don’t know Wand has a learning disability. In university, the school had average-to-less-than-average coaches for the line at least as far as dealing with a learning disability.
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This was what NFL.com had in Wand's prospect profile.

Has a documented learning disability that could pose problems digesting a complicated play book.
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Has anyone seen any better description of what the learning disability is?

In any event, Boselli was quoted last year saying Wand was the fastest learning Olineman he had ever worked with. I would think demonstrating knowledge of the playbook and necessary techniques would have been a prerequisite to the Texans putting him in at LT.
 
Often a learning disability means that a person can't learn in a certain environment or a certain manner, does not mean that the guy can't learn and even learn quickly.

BTW, I think this is the year let Wand adjust to the left tackle position. The texans as a team have a shot at the playoffs, but are the classic "year away" unless Indy and Tenn have major injuries are fall back to the pack unexpectedly.
 
Richard Branson, one of the worlds great entreprenuers, has a learning disablity but it didn't stop him from becoming a billionaire. In his case its dyslexia - so there's all kinds of LD but it doesn't mean you can't succeed. According to Wand's bio he majored in MIS - thats computers if you didn't know ! So he's obviously not a drooling *****.
I happen to be a native Missorian like Wand and know something about his
alma mata - Northwest Missouri State in Maryville, Mo. To say it is small college is a huge understatement - he must have been blown away when he
came from there to play in the NFL just last year. If this guy does turn out to
be our team's long term left tackle - my hat is off to Cass for a real "find" from
nowhere.
 
I'll have to agree with most members here. I feel great about the move. It shows that Wand has progressed at an unimaginable rate, besides with the Boss man being his mentor and teaching him all the trades of the position I cant wait to see him there.

For all of you "the glass is half empty" frame of minded guys....like many have mentioned if Wand isn't ready...Pitts could always move back and take care of Carrs blind side.

But for now, I like what I hear coming out of our mini camp about Wand and I think he'll be more than ready to make the leap to the starting line.
 
I think this is the perfect time to do it. This is a transitional season for us. We have several guys moving to new positions. I would rather Wand learn this year than next. I am earmarking year 4 as our breakout year. Could it happen this year? Sure. Is it as likely with all of the roster reshuffling? I don't think so.

I'm curious to see Milford Brown's progress this season. Hopefully he can live up to his potential. If so he might push one of the interior linemen.

I like Pitts at LG. He will be a Pro Bowler there some day IMO. He is a great run blocker and playing on the inside should improve his pass-blocking as well.
 
One good thing I have noticed about this thread is that it all boils down to we have what appears to be a solid line and no matter who is in the starting 5 there is some decent backups waiting in the wings.

I like Wand and I think it is a testament to the scouting crew and CC that we found someone like him. As for laying him on the line at LT...does any of us truly believe and Dom and CC wouldn't have made some moves on LT (maybe even moving Wade to that spot) if we were concerned about the strength of that position? I am pretty anxious for the preseason to get going so I can actually observe these guys functioning as a unit...the ability to work as a unit is key for zone blocking schemes to work. I would suspect that chemistry among the O-line might have be a factor in ordering the depth chart.
 
Lazarus said:
A number of people don’t know Wand has a learning disability. In university, the school had average-to-less-than-average coaches for the line at least as far as dealing with a learning disability. So for all intents and purposes, Wand has only one year, last year, with quality personnel who have the time –and the snap – to be able to teach someone with such a disability....
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Could you expound on the nature of Wand's disability, how it relates to football, and what the problems Wand had in deciphering instructions in college? This is news to me, considering how well Seth came off in interviews last training camp. And he's clearly not let it hold him back in the NFL where most feel he's a year ahead of schedule. What's the scoop?
 
Well I don't think the strength is really the issue here. I do believe Wand might be liability to us penalty wise. I am not basing this opinion on one game but the Jets game last season is a good example of what we can expect this season. He plays well and can handle the duties but his inexperience might kill a few scoring drives. Now this is a problem that can be easily corrected and hopefully solved during camp so I expect to have a very decent line.

Also you have Mark Bruener to help now, unlike Pitts who had no real help out there, so this would be the time to make the changes.

Again, I am not saying Wand will cause all kinds of penalties but his lack of experience might show in that department.
 
I think Wand will get the experience that is needed for him to develop into the player that the Texans want him to be. I think Carr will be more demanding of Wand's discipline than Capers. No matter what happens Wand's game will improve this year.
 
Well I don't think the strength is really the issue here. I do believe Wand might be liability to us penalty wise. I am not basing this opinion on one game but the Jets game last season is a good example of what we can expect this season. He plays well and can handle the duties but his inexperience might kill a few scoring drives.
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More than Pitts? IMO Pitts has did a wonderfull job last year except he committed way too many penalties. The holds don't bother me--hey keep the QB off his back and not-injured, but he had a bunch of false starts trying hard on speed rushers--nervous feet. Still did a great job but I suspect Wand won't be any worse in that regard and Pitts should settle down considerably at LG.
 
Come on guys keep the faith. Capers coached him in the Senior Bowl and was so impressed by Joppru and Wand that the Texans drafted them 2 and 3. There has to be something more than we know right now so lets give Capers and Company a little time. They have said it is not permanate yet. :twocents:
 
Ediddy73 said:
how do you feel-Wand at LT...
one word....nervous
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I know you're kidding. Right? No need to be nervous about this. If it doesn't appear to be working out (and remember Wand should get lots of opportunity to watch Tony Banks blind side as well as Dave Ragone's front during preseason) then you know it's right back to Pitts at LT and in comes one of our perfectly capable young guards to fill the empty spot. If this doesn't work out because it's just too soon then we've got options.

Don't you guys love the sound of that? "We've got options".
 
Options are good and it is awsome to have some depth and no Jimmy Herndon. Can you believe the line we had the opening year. Talk about ugly. Anyone even a little nervous needs to put it in perspective. Wand may not be proven but Boselli had confidence in him and had him highly rated. The coaches appear to have the same confidence. I really want to see our line come together and I think the addition of Wade is awesome. Looking at our line and the potential, a dominating line in 2004 is a real possibility.
 
Hervoyel said:
I know you're kidding. Right? No need to be nervous about this. If it doesn't appear to be working out (and remember Wand should get lots of opportunity to watch Tony Banks blind side as well as Dave Ragone's front during preseason) then you know it's right back to Pitts at LT and in comes one of our perfectly capable young guards to fill the empty spot. If this doesn't work out because it's just too soon then we've got options.

Don't you guys love the sound of that? "We've got options".
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no I am not kidding Hervoyel. It took exactly one missed block, by Wand ironically enough, for DC to go down last year. I know he is a year wiser now, and i'm not condemning him to pergatory for one missed block, but the LT has the blind side, and consequently the best passrusher. after a year of playing sparingly as a tackle and seeing most of his action as a TE, he's ready to play the most important position on the O-line? I'm not buying, but I'm not coaching him everyday either. My personal, inconsequential opinion is that it is too soon.
 
If it makes you feel any better, Wand was selected ahead of the starting LT for the Dolphins last year. I forgot the guys name, though.
 
A little consolation in comparison.

Starting a rookie is not unheard of and Wand is a sophmore. Look at what our new right tackle Todd Wade did in his first season with the Dolphins.

2000: Started all 16 games and two playoff contests as a rookie…became the first Dolphins offensive lineman to start all 16 games as a rookie since fellow tackle Richmond Webb in 1990…helped offense rush for 1,894 yards and allow just 28 sacks…made NFL debut in 23-0 win over Seattle (9/3)…earned NFL Co-Rookie of the Month (along with Redskins OT Chris Samuels) for October after helping Dolphins average 154.3 rushing yards over four games…marked only second time an offensive line had garnered the honor (Seahawks OT Walter Jones, Oct. 1997)…only missed one quarter of action, that at Buffalo (12/3) when he left with a calf injury.

Hope that Wand can turn in a performance like that this year and we will be in good shape. Keep the faith.
 
It's a Wade...

I wouldnt be too worried about Wand. If Wand doesnt do that good in the preseason, Pitts could easily take over the LT spot again.
 
Texansbacker said:
How did that guy do last year?
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Texan289 was right, name is Wade Smith

He started all 16 games and I think he did ok. He played on a horrible overall line, though.
 
Thanks, guess that is why Ricky's numbers dropped. The Dolphins will have to start another rookie at tackle now that we have their best o-lineman and right tackle Todd Wade.
 
Texansbacker said:
The Dolphins will have to start another rookie at tackle now that we have their best o-lineman and right tackle Todd Wade.
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They have Veron Carey listed as a T, but most people think he is going to be a good Tackle but a great Guard.
 
Ediddy73 said:
based on what? He played good 3rd TE?
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Based on the fact that he started all 16 games for the Fins at LT. He is only the third OL rookie to start all 16 for the Fins, joining Richmond Webb and Todd Wade.
 
wags said:
Based on the fact that he started all 16 games for the Fins at LT. He is only the third OL rookie to start all 16 for the Fins, joining Richmond Webb and Todd Wade.
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By the replies I've seen, I think different posters have gotten Todd Wade, Wade Smith, & Seth Wand confused at different points in the thread. You guys might want to re-read this thread to see where you got lost.
 
Smith is very Chester-Pitts like in the fact that he has a similar build and strengths. Wand was more of the prototype LT. If a guy can play, he can play. I'd trust our coaches more than mb speculation, but understand the concernes.
 
I'm happy with the move. I feel all our other O-line spots are as strong as they have ever been in the first 2 years. our depth is good. having 1 question mark at O-line isn't that bad. and that this point its just that a question mark, everyone else is proven talent.
 
jacquescas said:
I'm happy with the move. I feel all our other O-line spots are as strong as they have ever been in the first 2 years. our depth is good. having 1 question mark at O-line isn't that bad. and that this point its just that a question mark, everyone else is proven talent.
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Yeah, having only one question mark feels like a good thing after the past two seasons. It's like a luxury or something.
 
The new blocking scheme is so simple that Dexter Manley could understand it. Premier Oline players have Good Vision and Good Feet, I don't think it will be too much of a problem for our guys because they both move really well and they will get to see more as the season goes on. :popcorn:
 
I think it's a great idea. Pitts is improving... but now if we could just do something about that little false start problem? :hehe: wasn't it Pitts that seemed to get a little to excited before the play?
 
Mischief said:
I think it's a great idea. Pitts is improving... but now if we could just do something about that little false start problem? :hehe: wasn't it Pitts that seemed to get a little to excited before the play?
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Yes Pitts had problems with penalties, both false start and holding. If Wand sticks at LT expect those problems to shift from Pitts to Wand. Pitts would get jumpy especially facing speed rushers and he openly admitted last year that he prefered the occassional hold to letting Carr get whacked. Playing LG should greatly reduce the amount of time Pitts faces speed rushers and takes away the open outside edge. Wand on the other hand will almost certainly get ansy at times--hopefully his wingspan and footwork will help him play without as many holds though.
 
One very important note about Pitts is that we have always had to help the Right Tackle quite a bit due to our lack of talent there. Whenever we needed an extra blocker it was usually on that side. In addition, Pitts has never really had any mature talent beside him at LG. Washington is the closest player we had on our roster that played fairly decent but if you watch some old games you will notice how slow his feet are and how poor he plays in space.

Little or no help on the edge plus an inferior player beside him at Guard exacerbated his problems. Wand will get more help on the edge and have a solid player with good feet and a heck of a drive blocker next to him in Pitts. We will not have to help RT nearly as much as we have in the past due to the excellent FA signing of gargantuan RT Todd Wade. These factors should help Wand's development in ways we could not afford with Pitts.
 
I look for Wand to have a kind of up and down year as he gets his feet wet in the NFL at LT. By next year I suspect he will start to show the true ability he has. If he is struggling too much in say the first 2-3 games, look for Pits to move back out, but I really doubt that will be the case.
 
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